Friday, January 30, 2026

Fwd: February Ministry Update



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: REAL Life Community Services <rod@reallcs.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Subject: February Ministry Update
To: <philandkelly@gmail.com>


 

Operation Warm- A Promise of Love

For the third year in a row, Subaru's "Loves to Help" campaign visited the Cocalico School District, setting up at our Lighthouse Community Center with Operation Warm to ensure kids have the shoes and coats they need to stay warm, dry, and confident. Little feet grow fast—sometimes every four to six months—and worn-out shoes or missing essentials can make everyday life harder for families. This year, Subaru went above and beyond, providing brand-new shoes and winter coats for over 50 children, helping support both their physical comfort and emotional well-being. We have enough left over to be able to continue providing these necessities throughout the year. We're so grateful for their generosity and the kindness poured into our community, and we can't wait to welcome Subaru back next year to continue creating moments like this.

Helping Our Kids Stay Safe Online

The internet is a big part of our kids' lives—and if you've ever felt unsure about how to keep them safe online, you're not alone. Many parents are asking the same questions.

At Cocalico Cares, we've seen a growing need for practical guidance and honest conversation around online safety. That's why we're hosting a FREE workshop for adults, designed to equip parents and caregivers with helpful tools, confidence, and awareness when it comes to navigating the digital world with their children.

This workshop is in partnership with ZOE International, an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking. Together, we'll focus on raising awareness while sharing practical steps you can take to help protect kids online—without fear, just informed action.

Event Details:

  • 📍 FREE Event

  • 📍 Tuesday, February 3rd, 7pm

  • 📍 Cocalico High School Library & Media Center

  • 📍 Adults only (no childcare provided)

Space may be limited, so please register soon:

 

Our Newest Addition!

The beginning of the year often brings fresh starts and new opportunities. Last year, we were excited to welcome Becca to our team, and this year we are thrilled to introduce Randi!

Randi Shober has joined us as our new Programs Director. With many years of experience in the social service field, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep heart for helping others. We are incredibly grateful to have Randi on our team as we continue to serve the growing number of individuals and families in need.

VITA is Back!

For a third year in a row, we will be partnering with VITA, which is an amazing program to be able to offer to those in our community! Beginning February 5th, VITA will be offering free tax assistance for those earning less than $70,000 a year, at the Lighthouse Community Center on Thursdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call our offices at 717-336-7797, or click the button below!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Appt Schedule

Food Distribution Update!

As we reflect on 2025, we are deeply thankful for the extraordinary generosity shown by our supporters. Earlier this year, we shared how our year-end fundraising campaign raised more than $360,000, far exceeding our $300,000 goal. This incredible support demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and set the tone for the year.

That same generosity was evident through tangible gifts of food and household items. In 2025, our warehouse received a record-breaking 71,872 pounds of donations, allowing us to distribute 68,494 pounds of food—equivalent to 41,809 meals—to individuals and families in need throughout our community. These gifts reflect compassion in action, and we are sincerely thankful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who made this impact possible.

SAVE THE DATE

Hope for the Hopeless Banner

Get ready for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration! At this year's banquet, you'll hear powerful stories of hope and resilience from individuals and families whose lives have been transformed by REAL Life. Enjoy meaningful moments of reflection and the chance to connect with others who are making a difference in our community.

Bring a friend and experience the heart of our mission firsthand. Registration is open! Space is limited, so mark your calendar and plan to reserve your spot!

Click Here to Register!

Help us keep these programs and more going! Consider a generous gift today to Connect the Community to Hope!

Give Now

 

First Friday Food Drive

February 6th

Every first Friday of the month, we host a food drive in the back parking lot of the Declaration House. It's a way the community can give back and help donate items that we need. 

You can drop off food at any time from 3-5 pm on that Friday.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays, 8-9PM

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

Momentum

Tuesdays, 6:30-8PM

Momentum guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them. A child needs to know that they are not alone in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of life.

Momentum meets at the Lighthouse Community Center throughout the school year following the Cocalico School District calendar.

Denver Mom's In Prayer

1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9-10:30am

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

GriefShare

Wednesday's Starting March 11th, 6-7:30pm

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

This is a 13 week cycle to help navigate from a grief journey to a healing destination.

For more information, please contact 610-775-3667

Young at Heart

Wednesdays, 9-11AM

All events are free and are for individuals that are 60 years and older. Coffee, chatting, games, speakers, and MORE! Come out and get to know others in your community! 

1st & 3rd Wednesdays we meet at Adamstown Area Library!

2nd & 4th Wednesdays we meet at Faith Evangelical United Lutheran Church in Denver!

Aglow International Bible Study

3rd Saturdays, 10-12am

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

Click Here to Learn More

© REAL Life Community Services 2026. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:

240 MAIN ST STE B DENVER, PA 17517-1623

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Fwd: LMC Updates: Celebration of Cultures at Assembly '26



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: LMC – a fellowship of anabaptist churches <information@lmcchurches.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Subject: LMC Updates: Celebration of Cultures at Assembly '26
To: <info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org>


LMC Updates

Celebration of Cultures at Assembly '26

"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."
(Revelation 7:9)

At Assembly this June, we will be hosting a Celebration of Cultures on Saturday afternoon (June 20) , recognizing and celebrating the many culture and language groups that are a part of LMC!

We are inviting congregations to participate. If your church would like to share a traditional song, dance, or a table display representing your cultural group, we would love to include you! With over 140 non-English-speaking congregations within LMC, this is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the diversity God has created and blessed us with.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Khanthaly Bounma at 717-395-1312 or khanthalyb@gmail.com.

---

Register for Assembly '26 and YouthCon '26 Today, Happening June 18-21!

Early-Bird Cost Grid - Ends Feb. 28
Adult/YouthCon Full Conference Package: $320
Elementary Child Registration: $290
Baby/Toddler (age 4 and younger): $80

Cost includes lodging for 3 nights and 3 meals/day; for elementary children and baby/toddler, cost includes childcare
-
Adult One Day Pass: $50
Adult Two Day Pass: $100

Cost includes one meal per day


Early-bird registration ends on February 28, with regular conference costs going into effect March 1. 

Save your spot and register today! If you have any questions, please email assembly@lmcchurches.org.
Register Now

Other LMC News

Share Your Story

Everyone has a story. We'd love to hear how the Lord is speaking to you, how the Spirit is at work in your congregation, or how you're experiencing life transformation. Share your story online at our website.

 
Share Your Story
Monthly EMM and LMC Prayer Gathering

Many were deeply encouraged during our recent Week of Prayer and Fasting shared by LMC and EMM, and several expressed a desire to continue seeking the Lord with intention and consistency. In response to this shared longing, we have come together to form a planning team to nurture and guide this ongoing rhythm of prayer. We are grateful for Joe Garber providing leadership for this team, helping us shape these monthly gatherings as a shared expression of prayer across EMM and LMC.

Together, we warmly invite you to participate in our monthly EMM and LMC Prayer Gathering, held on the first Monday of each month, beginning February 2nd, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. ET/NYcity (7-8 am CT, 6-7 am MT, 5-6 am PT) 

(This time will allow us to begin the week united as organizations, joining our hearts in prayer for EMM missionary workers, LMC churches, our leaders, and our communities. Please feel free to invite your leaders to participate.)


If you're interested in joining, email Felixa (fvdekunkle@lmcchurches.org) for the Zoom information.
Anabaptist Classics Reading Group

A guided tour of seventeen South German/Austrian Anabaptist writings, totaling 122 pages. Classes will meet by Zoom for five sessions, every two weeks. Classes will meet Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. (starting March 31) OR Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. (starting April 2).

Register by March 24th. To register and see the list of readings, contact William Higgins, whiggins@lmcchurches.org or call 717-293-5246 ext. 121.
Ministry Opportunity with Cedar Street Mennonite Church

Cedar Street Mennonite Church of the Franklin District is located in downtown Chambersburg, PA. They are small in size, but they have been faithfully following God's vision for them to build a daycare center for their community. God has been opening doors for them every step of the way, and now the construction project is underway!

The congregation is trusting God to continue to supply all they need for this ministry, including the right people to launch and staff the daycare program. They are asking people to prayerfully consider moving to their community and join them in loving their neighbors. See the attached PDF for more information on how to get involved. For more information, contact Pastor Mike Shank (mshank@shalomca.com).
Join the Mission of LMC

LMC is a Spirit-led movement to:

• Make disciples of Jesus
• Mobilize every member as a missionary
• Multiply faith communities locally and beyond
Donate

From Our Resource Partners

Church as a Movement Training Event

April 23–24
The basic course, Church as a Movement, is an introductory training of No Place Left (NPL) designed to equip pastors, leaders, and believers with biblical foundations and practical tools for disciple making, evangelism, and strategic mobilization. This training introduces a clear vision of how the Church can move from traditional models toward a Church as a Movement, aligned with the Great Commission, focused on spiritual harvest, disciple multiplication, and reaching places and people where the gospel is not yet present.


Learn more and register at emm.org/movement

ADVANCE

The kingdom of God is advancing! Join us for a gap year—engage in three months of hands-on, cross-cultural discipleship training in Lancaster City, Pa. Then serve five months in one of EMM's priority regions. Your life will never be the same. Learn more and apply by March 31 for a $1,000 scholarship at 
EMM.ORG/ADVANCE.

Kingdom Teams

Kingdom Teams are one-week, summer mission experiences in Lancaster, Pa., that provide opportunities for youth groups to engage with discipleship training and cross-cultural service, right here in the U.S. We're also looking for people to serve as paid summer staff. Learn more at 
EMM.ORG/KTEAMS.

Art Auction & Gala

Join Friendship Community on February 26, 2026 for their 23rd Annual Art Auction & Gala. The event will take place at Eden Resort (222 Eden Rd., Lancaster PA) from 4–8:30 p.m. More details coming soon.
New Online Exhibit

What Lies Beneath: Archaeology at the 1719 Museum.

Beneath the grounds of the 1719 Museum lie traces of the people who lived there long ago. This new exhibit explores how small pieces of history, from tiny ceramic sherds left by Mennonite families to stone tools used by Indigenous people, reveal fragments of everyday life across centuries. Visit the online exhibit at mennonitelife.org/learn.
Latino History from Lancaster County to the Smithsonian

Mennonite Life collaborates with LancasterHistory, SACA, the Crispus Attucks Community Center's Young Professionals of Color Network, and the National Museum of the American Latino to present a reception and panel discussion on Thursday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m.

From food, sports, and the arts to business, politics, and education, Latinos have influenced every aspect of life in America and in Lancaster County. In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution is working to build a new museum, the National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL), to honor this history. This panel discussion will explore the contributions of Latinos to the history and culture of Lancaster County and discuss the importance of including Latino history in museums and historical narratives.

Free; registration required; lancasterhistory.org/events/latino-history.
If you are located in Lancaster or Lebanon County, PA, or know individuals who are, please take note of the following online seminar. Landis Communities and Friends Life Care are collaborating to provide an option for those who plan on aging in place in their existing home. This informational long-term care workshop is for individuals ages 40-85 who are in good health and residing in these two counties. The seminar will take place on Feb 7, 2026,  from 11:00 AM12:00 PM ET. For more information, go to https://irjVRN.short.gy/FLC22026 or call 844-252-6347. 
Spring 2026 Kick-Off Event for Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning®

Are you over the age of 55 and live near Lancaster, PA? If so, explore more than forty-lifelong learning opportunities, from classical, Big Band, or folk music and nature courses on volcanoes, monarch butterflies, and elephants to inspiring stories of Amish mercy and the Underground Railroad. Get creative with a sunflower ceramic craft or contemporary art, boost your well-being through hands-on healthy cooking and the "Rosetto Effect," enjoy two film courses, and engage with timely topics like refugees, affordable housing, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You can even discover the architecture and legacy of Hershey, PA, through a course or trolley tour.

Held Tuesday, February 10, 1:303:00 pm in the High Foundation Auditorium at Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Rd, Lititz PA 17543. Plan now to attend this festive come-and-go event. Be the first to learn about the new spring courses and trips. Visit instructors and other lifelong learners, enjoy refreshments, and pick up a Spring 2026 course catalog in print. No RSVP is needed. More information at thepathwaysinstitute.org/lancaster-county/.
No Longer Alone Family Support Group

The No Longer Alone Family Support Group, supported by Landis Communities, plans to meet February 22, 3:00-5:00 p.m., via Zoom. The group is designed to provide a place for families walking with someone with a mental health diagnosis to learn and care for each other. Speaker: Dr. Linda Snow-Griffin, PhD, Psychologist, retired, author of Hope and Healing: Our Journey with Schizophrenia. Her presentation will be followed by a time of sharing. For info on joining Zoom, contact JAlbright@landis.org or call 717-381-3599.
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